The Political Parties

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29268, 28 July 1960, Page 3

The Political Parties

Sir,—Mr Edmonds’s trenchant sentiments seem to an uncommitted observer apposite, the more so in that a political party with a derisory majority has been allowed to put over s6me repressive legislation without let or hindrance. In practically any other country the situation in 1957 would have resulted in the formation of a dbalition or alternatively another General Election within six months. Presumably New Zealanders who accept so many benefits from the State must resign themselves to a legislative paternalism which is not far from government by decree. An Upper House which could mitigate the effects of this dangerous contingency apparently -finds no favour with either party, though at the National Party conference both Mr Grace and Mr Rattray have put the case for it with admirable clarity. Mr Grigg’s suggestion that a few more and better paid members of Parliament would make for better government would seem to be token wishful thinking. Surely quality in politicians cannot be bought in terms of tempting cash offers.—Yours, etc., I.S.T. July 27, 1960.